Free Atonement by Kirsten Beyer

Janeway again. “What other critical intelligence would you share with us, Admiral?”
    Kashyk seemed ready to protest further, but Janeway rushed into the opening Meeml had provided. “Thank you again, Rigger Meeml. The intelligence of which I speak is more recent than the Borg Invasion. Almost as soon as the fleet I now command returned to the Delta Quadrant to begin its explorations, they encountered a cooperative collection of species known as the Indign.”
    â€œLike the Borg?” Meeml asked.
    â€œNo,” Janeway replied. “The Indign were composed of six distinct species, one of which was humanoid, called the Neyser. Each Neyser functioned in coexistence with the five other species. They communicated telepathically and over time had developed a deep reverence for the Borg. Unlike most civilized species, they did not recognize the threat the Borg posed. They believed the Borg’s collective existence was the pinnacle of sentient achievement.
    â€œThey were an aggressive species when it came to defending their territory. They sought to please the Borg in all they did, hoping to one day be worthy of assimilation. Most of theirtechnology, however, was not on par with ours, or yours, if my analysis of our recent battle is correct.
    â€œThey did possess, however, one unusual weapon. They sent it to Voyager , hoping that it would destroy the ship. It has taken some time, but it is possible that the Indign are about to succeed.”
    â€œI don’t understand,” Meeml said. “What sort of weapon was it?”
    â€œIt was a canister that contained the consciousness of an ancient Neyser.”
    â€œRigger Meeml,” Kashyk interjected. “If you insist upon listening to the ramblings of a desperate woman, I will indulge you, but this tribunal will stand in recess until the admiral agrees to either directly address the charges against her or any panelist offers a question specifically related to those charges.”
    â€œInspector—” Meeml began.
    â€œThe transmission will be terminated until the recess has concluded,” Kashyk ordered.
    VESTA
    At some point during Admiral Janeway’s remarks, both Captain Farkas and Doctor Sal had risen to their feet. They stood side by side, arms crossed over their chests, watching in fascinated dread as Janeway slowly began to turn the tables on her accusers.
    The moment the word Indign had fallen from her lips, Farkas realized that the admiral’s plan was far more ambitious than any of her fellow officers had suspected.
    It was also far more likely to result in Janeway’s death.
    â€œExcuse me, El’nor,” Farkas said softly, and moved swiftly toward the door.
    As soon as she entered the bridge she heard “Kashyk” ordering the termination of the transmission. His face loomed large on the main viewscreen, and immediately after the order had been given, the image began to flicker.
    â€œJepel!” Farkas bellowed.
    â€œOnemoment, Captain.”
    It felt like an eternity, but seconds later, the image stabilized.
    â€œMister Roach, take us to red alert, extend our shields around Voyager , and order the Galen to stand ready.”
    â€œAye, Captain,” her first officer replied.
    FIFTH SHUDKA
    â€œWhy has the transmission resumed so quickly? And who are the Indign?” Cin demanded of Chakotay.
    Now that he truly understood Kathryn’s strategy, Chakotay was both shocked and impressed. He’d been right that she intended to use the truth as her weapon. He just hadn’t figured on the size of the weapon she’d selected.
    â€œMy people are keeping the channel open, Presider. We suspected that the Kinara would be unwilling to share all of the proceedings with the Confederacy, but we wanted to make sure that you and the rest of the Kinara didn’t miss a moment of it.”
    â€œAn interesting precaution,” Cin noted.
    His thoughts now racing to keep abreast of